A mixer is always a good thing to have. Whether you are a vocalist or you play any type of instrument, it's always a good idea to have a small mixer in your collection. A small, versatile budget mixer can come in handy for building a home studio setup and can also work well for smaller live gigs. Eventually, you'll want something more advanced, but as a beginning or … [Read more...] about Behringer XENYX 1202FX Review (Versatile Budget Mixer With Preamps)
Preamp Buying Guides
Warm Audio TB12 Review (An Incredibly Versatile Preamp)
Some people prefer a very specific sound and they use that sound in all their music. Others like to switch things up. The Warm Audio TB12 is a preamp that allows for both. It can give you that warm vintage sound or a more transparent sound, with the switch of a button. Moreover, you can easily remove the operational amplifiers and swap them out for any other … [Read more...] about Warm Audio TB12 Review (An Incredibly Versatile Preamp)
DBX 286S Review (Affordable Mic Preamp That Does Everything You Need)
Great preamps cost a ton of money. At least that's what manufacturers of expensive microphone preamps want you to believe. And there is some truth to it. As usual: you get what you pay for. If you spring for a professional level model like the Avalon VT-737SP, you get professional level sound quality and complete control over that sound. But you can pay a lot less … [Read more...] about DBX 286S Review (Affordable Mic Preamp That Does Everything You Need)
Avalon VT-737SP Review (Is This Channel Strip With Preamp Worth The Cost?)
A great microphone is not enough. Neither is a quality guitar or other instrument. Without a great preamplifier, or a channel strip that contains a great preamp, spending money on a good mic or instrument is a waste. And if you want to get the best possible sound, you need the best possible preamp. And that conversation inevitably turns to the Avalon … [Read more...] about Avalon VT-737SP Review (Is This Channel Strip With Preamp Worth The Cost?)
Best Mic Preamp For Vocals (All Budget Levels)
If you have a microphone to record your vocals, you need a preamp. The reason is simple. A microphone produces a very low voltage output that is between 50dB and 80dB quieter than the line-level output from electronic instruments. The preamplifier boosts the mic-level signal up to the same strength of a line-level signal. It ensures the sound the mic picks up is just … [Read more...] about Best Mic Preamp For Vocals (All Budget Levels)